Back to School... Six

Back to School... Six - Stones-n-Sticks...

...but Words, will never hurt me!?

After my Weekend of 'bonding' with the Seniors, I was looking forward to my Crit-lessons this Tuesday past... Apart from the regular Mayhem of Learners bringing weapons to School, threatening Teachers, and visits of Flashing Blue Lights - it was a pretty standard Week at School. I am proud of my Grade 11 and 12s for 'behaving' and felt the Evaluation-lessons went swimmingly. I still find the discrepancy with the discipline amongst the lower Grades and the higher Grades to be somewhat of a 'concern'... The Grade 11s are an absolute joy to work with... The Semi-adults of Grade 12 needs to be handled with care at times, but I found - as long as I treat them with respect, I can expect the same from them... It saddens me to over-hear some of the 'venomous' language being used on some of the Learners, at times... One cannot expect a youngster to reach out for something better, if one constantly attacks their character or self-esteem!? I have made the decision to NOT use any profound language or negative words towards my Classes... I hope the 'Experiment' pays off...

The Grade 8s and 9s are becoming more of a challenge, it would appear... I have not taught any official lessons with these Grades, since they have returned to School... And from looking at their Books, it would appear that they have not done much Schoolwork for the entire year!? Some learners (those who have books!?) made their last written entries in May or March!? I find it difficult to ascertain where they are supposed to be regarding their Work, as I do not get to have meetings with their Teachers (family or health-related absenteeism) and not a single child has been able to present me with a Textbook!? My Daily Schedule to supervise these 'lost classes' change on a daily basis - from MathLit to Geo (Subjects that I am entirely unfamiliar with)... I have had discussions on Life Orientation and started reading Short Stories, with all the Classes I see - just to get some short of class structure going... The learners are still of the opinion that they are on Holiday!? Groups of learners still prowl the School-grounds like Predators, during class-time and twice have I now walked into the Classroom - filled with a cloud of marijuana smoke and games of dice being played, by learners who act as if the Teacher is merely an irritating little inconvenience to their daily doings... I constantly remind myself, that I should keep trying... At least, for those learners who still reach out to us, the Educators, for guidance and assistance... It saddens me to see how little some kids care about their Futures. When a child tells you, he would rather gather his riches slinging drugs on the Streets than 'waste' his time at School, it does give one plenty of Food for Thought.